Tech earnings were generally better than expected from Citrix, Symantec and Sandisk, but the outlooks for the next quarter was light in some cases.

Here's the rundown:

Citrix: Strong Q4, light Q1

Citrix reported fourth quarter earnings of $109 million, or 58 cents a share, on revenue of $619 million, up 17 percent from a year ago. Non-GAAP fourth quarter earnings were 78 cents a share. Wall Street was looking for earnings of 76 cents a share on revenue of $618.6 million.

For 2011, Citrix reported earnings of $356 million, or $1.87 a share, on revenue of $2.21 billion, up 18 percent.

Citrix CEO Mark Templeton said that the company was "driving more C-level engagement" and landing more strategic deals.

For the first quarter, Citrix said that non-GAAP earnings will be 49 cents a share to 51 cents a share. GAAP earnings will be 30 cents a share to 31 cents a share on revenue of $555 million to $565 million. Wall Street was looking for earnings of 56 cents a share on revenue of $561.4 million.

Citrix said it will deliver 2012 non-GAAP earnings of $2.70 a share to $2.74 a share ($1.88 to $1.97 GAAP) on revenue of $2.49 billion to $2.51 billion. Wall Street expects earnings of $2.79 a share on revenue of $2.49 billion for 2012.

Symantec's outlook light

Symantec reported fiscal third quarter earnings of $240 million, or 32 cents a share, on revenue of $1.71 billion, up 7 percent from a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings were 42 cents a share.

Wall Street was looking for earnings of 41 cents a share on revenue of $1.71 billion.

Symantec reported strong results for its data loss prevention, authentication, managed services and backup products. Large deals were also at highs, said Symantec.

For the fourth quarter, Symantec said that non-GAAP earnings will be 41 cents a share to 42 cents a share on revenue of $1.72 billion and $1.73 billion. Wall Street was looking for earnings of 43 cents a share on revenue of $1.75 billion.

Sandisk cruises

Sandisk reported fourth quarter earnings of $281 million, or $1.14 a share, on revenue of $1.58 billion, up 19 percent from a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings were $1.29 a share. Wall Street was looking for fourth quarter non-GAAP earnings of $1.26 a share on revenue of $1.57 billion.

The company said "the secular demand trends for NAND flash remain vibrant."

For 2011, Sandisk reported earnings of $1.14 billion, or $4.65 a share, on revenue of $5.66 billion, up 17 percent from a year ago.